Aryaman Kantawala
@arykant.bsky.social
In the West, Hinduism is commonly seen as an exotic religion; films use its mysticism in fantasy, while not completely understanding them. Meanwhile, in India there is a murkier history behind it, and nowadays it’s been weaponized in a controversial movement.
(1/8)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
(1/8)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 11:36 PM
In the West, Hinduism is commonly seen as an exotic religion; films use its mysticism in fantasy, while not completely understanding them. Meanwhile, in India there is a murkier history behind it, and nowadays it’s been weaponized in a controversial movement.
(1/8)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
(1/8)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Nude scene where the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text, was recited in Oppenheimer sparks controversy in India. Anurag Thakur, minister of information and broadcasting issued a statement against it and Modi asked for censoring.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
Oppenheimer sex scene sparks controversy among India’s Hindu right-wing groups
Furore revolves around a scene involving one of Hinduism’s holiest scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita
www.independent.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Nude scene where the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text, was recited in Oppenheimer sparks controversy in India. Anurag Thakur, minister of information and broadcasting issued a statement against it and Modi asked for censoring.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
India ended up censoring the Oppenheimer nude scene where Florence Pugh recited the Gita. This supports the fact of how Hinduism is a very sensitive topic and tightly controlled by the BJP.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
@cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Topless Florence Pugh Scene in ‘Oppenheimer’ Digitally Censored (With a CGI Black Dress) in Middle East, India
The actress was given extra computer-generated clothes in one scene in order to secure a release without cuts being made.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:18 AM
India ended up censoring the Oppenheimer nude scene where Florence Pugh recited the Gita. This supports the fact of how Hinduism is a very sensitive topic and tightly controlled by the BJP.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
@cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Hindutva is a right-wing extremism Hindu movement that came to power with the BJP political party (which Modi is in). It came from the RSS, an all-male nationalist group, and spreads anti-Muslim sentiment.
#304F35 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/2022/s...
#304F35 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/2022/s...
What is Hindu nationalism and how does it relate to trouble in Leicester?
Hindutva is the predominant form in India and has been associated with rightwing extremism
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Hindutva is a right-wing extremism Hindu movement that came to power with the BJP political party (which Modi is in). It came from the RSS, an all-male nationalist group, and spreads anti-Muslim sentiment.
#304F35 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/2022/s...
#304F35 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/world/2022/s...
The epic Ramayana has been adapted many times, but the most famed is actually a Japanese animated production — Ramayana: the Legend of Prince Rama. It got to a rough start when first released in India but has gained a cult following.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
indianexpress.com/article/ente...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
indianexpress.com/article/ente...
The extraordinary story of The Legend of Prince Rama: The Japanese toon Ramayan that didn’t get a warm welcome in India, found popularity years later
Even as we discuss the quality of CGI of Adipurush, 1993's Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama was made with Indian artistes sending handmade drawings to the Japanese studio via courier.
indianexpress.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:36 AM
The epic Ramayana has been adapted many times, but the most famed is actually a Japanese animated production — Ramayana: the Legend of Prince Rama. It got to a rough start when first released in India but has gained a cult following.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
indianexpress.com/article/ente...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
indianexpress.com/article/ente...
Many Western movies have tapped into Hinduism. Christopher Nolan is a big follower and movies like Interstellar with the tesseract, the Force from Star Wars, the idea of the Matrix and more are much inspired by Vedic ideas.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.theguardian.com/film/2014/de...
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.theguardian.com/film/2014/de...
How movies embraced Hinduism (without you even noticing)
From Interstellar to the Matrix and Star Wars the venerable religion has been the driving philosophy behind many hit movies. Why?
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Many Western movies have tapped into Hinduism. Christopher Nolan is a big follower and movies like Interstellar with the tesseract, the Force from Star Wars, the idea of the Matrix and more are much inspired by Vedic ideas.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.theguardian.com/film/2014/de...
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.theguardian.com/film/2014/de...
Other western films tried to adapt Hinduism, like Legend of Bagger Vance which adapts the Gita to a golf course. Unfortunately it didn’t do well and was criticized for the “wise negro” trope it ended up using.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/review...
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/review...
The Legend of Bagger Vance | Film Review | Spirituality & Practice
A mythological story about a depressed World War I veteran who finds his authentic self during a golf tournament, thanks to the help of the spiritual guide acting as his caddy.
www.spiritualityandpractice.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Other western films tried to adapt Hinduism, like Legend of Bagger Vance which adapts the Gita to a golf course. Unfortunately it didn’t do well and was criticized for the “wise negro” trope it ended up using.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/review...
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/review...
Many Hindus in America have warped the meaning of Hinduism to their own uses, like here. A big ideal is not to brag about your achievements or possessions.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Desi bro roided-out rage Hanuman sticker culture but make it American, ugh.
>not a veteran
>wall full of challenge coins
>wall full of challenge coins
October 13, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Many Hindus in America have warped the meaning of Hinduism to their own uses, like here. A big ideal is not to brag about your achievements or possessions.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
The Babri Masjid, allegedly built over historic Hindu Ram Temple in the 1500s, was destroyed in ‘92 by a Hindu mob. Supreme Court gave land to Hindus, though only evidence of “non-Islamic” structure found under old Mosque — no sign of demo
www.bbc.com/news/world-a...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/world-a...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site
India's Supreme Court has ruled on that the contested site should belong to Hindus.
www.bbc.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:00 AM
The Babri Masjid, allegedly built over historic Hindu Ram Temple in the 1500s, was destroyed in ‘92 by a Hindu mob. Supreme Court gave land to Hindus, though only evidence of “non-Islamic” structure found under old Mosque — no sign of demo
www.bbc.com/news/world-a...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/world-a...
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Hanuman art is everywhere! Seems western media is starting to like Hindu mythology.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Show me how you draw armor! 🛡️
October 7, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Hanuman art is everywhere! Seems western media is starting to like Hindu mythology.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
time.com/6963482/monk...
This article says the way Monkey Man uses god’s name to justify violence mirrors the same Hindutva movement that it’s critiquing as using Hinduism to encourage violence against Muslims. I can see their point but the intention is different.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
This article says the way Monkey Man uses god’s name to justify violence mirrors the same Hindutva movement that it’s critiquing as using Hinduism to encourage violence against Muslims. I can see their point but the intention is different.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
time.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:25 AM
time.com/6963482/monk...
This article says the way Monkey Man uses god’s name to justify violence mirrors the same Hindutva movement that it’s critiquing as using Hinduism to encourage violence against Muslims. I can see their point but the intention is different.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
This article says the way Monkey Man uses god’s name to justify violence mirrors the same Hindutva movement that it’s critiquing as using Hinduism to encourage violence against Muslims. I can see their point but the intention is different.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Indian government when a film critiques their political movement and uses their favorite religion against them. How has Monkey Man not released yet in India?? It’s been over almost 2 years…
(Like how that’s Jordan Peele who also produced the movie?)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
(Like how that’s Jordan Peele who also produced the movie?)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
September 29, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Indian government when a film critiques their political movement and uses their favorite religion against them. How has Monkey Man not released yet in India?? It’s been over almost 2 years…
(Like how that’s Jordan Peele who also produced the movie?)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
(Like how that’s Jordan Peele who also produced the movie?)
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
A humble and loyal devotee, powerful and wise, playful and mischievous. What’s not to like about Hanuman?? Though when I watch Monkey Man we’ll see how accurate the character is to the story of Hanuman.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
September 29, 2025 at 4:40 AM
A humble and loyal devotee, powerful and wise, playful and mischievous. What’s not to like about Hanuman?? Though when I watch Monkey Man we’ll see how accurate the character is to the story of Hanuman.
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
#304F25 @cfuchstv.bsky.social
Every movie should have Dev Patel in it. I have decided.
September 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Hadn’t delved much into Hindu politics so I’m starting to see how extreme some claims can be about Modi. Although he’s put out good policies in the past he’s weaponized Hinduism and can be dangerous
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
Hindus are not immune to fascist control, even in India, under Modi, Hindu Nationalism is a repackaged version of fascism. Fascism knows no geographic boundaries. 70% of countries are fascist or fascist sliding, wake up and take action!
#Resist #EradicateFascism
open.spotify.com/episode/5ZE7...
#Resist #EradicateFascism
open.spotify.com/episode/5ZE7...
Part 13 of 77: India — Modi’s Hindu Nationalism and the Strategic Erosion of Democracy
open.spotify.com
September 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Hadn’t delved much into Hindu politics so I’m starting to see how extreme some claims can be about Modi. Although he’s put out good policies in the past he’s weaponized Hinduism and can be dangerous
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
Monkey Man’s “not subtle” critique of Hindu nationalism caused ongoing delay for India premiere. Nationalists have complained before of use of saffron in things like bikinis in Bollywood film. Most likely will never release.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
Monkey Man’s “not subtle” critique of Hindu nationalism caused ongoing delay for India premiere. Nationalists have complained before of use of saffron in things like bikinis in Bollywood film. Most likely will never release.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
Why has the India release of Dev Patel’s Monkey Man been delayed?
Highly anticipated film is likely to draw ire of nationalist groups with a ‘not exactly subtle’ portrayal of right-wing Hindus and their leader
www.independent.co.uk
September 15, 2025 at 3:59 AM
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
Monkey Man’s “not subtle” critique of Hindu nationalism caused ongoing delay for India premiere. Nationalists have complained before of use of saffron in things like bikinis in Bollywood film. Most likely will never release.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
Monkey Man’s “not subtle” critique of Hindu nationalism caused ongoing delay for India premiere. Nationalists have complained before of use of saffron in things like bikinis in Bollywood film. Most likely will never release.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
www.cnn.com/2024/04/15/w...
Similar to how the tale of Hanuman fearlessly destroys evil, the protagonist of Monkey Man battles corruption and champions the poor. Although this is a good critique of Hindu nationalism, it’s a little inconsistent with Hindu philosophy.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
Similar to how the tale of Hanuman fearlessly destroys evil, the protagonist of Monkey Man battles corruption and champions the poor. Although this is a good critique of Hindu nationalism, it’s a little inconsistent with Hindu philosophy.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
‘Monkey Man’ attempts to reclaim Hinduism for the underclasses | CNN
By invoking Hanuman — one of the most beloved Hindu deities — in a critique of Hindu nationalism, some film critics say Dev Patel’s action thriller does something novel.
www.cnn.com
September 15, 2025 at 3:52 AM
www.cnn.com/2024/04/15/w...
Similar to how the tale of Hanuman fearlessly destroys evil, the protagonist of Monkey Man battles corruption and champions the poor. Although this is a good critique of Hindu nationalism, it’s a little inconsistent with Hindu philosophy.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
Similar to how the tale of Hanuman fearlessly destroys evil, the protagonist of Monkey Man battles corruption and champions the poor. Although this is a good critique of Hindu nationalism, it’s a little inconsistent with Hindu philosophy.
@cfuchstv.bsky.social #304F25
@cfuchstv.bsky.social
Hi FAVS 304! Until recently, Hindus were a minority in much of the world and still are. But Hinduism has started to pick up steam in America and a fusion of their identity with the West is a unique culture, which I will explore in films like Monkey Man and others.
#304F25
Hi FAVS 304! Until recently, Hindus were a minority in much of the world and still are. But Hinduism has started to pick up steam in America and a fusion of their identity with the West is a unique culture, which I will explore in films like Monkey Man and others.
#304F25
September 13, 2025 at 2:32 AM
@cfuchstv.bsky.social
Hi FAVS 304! Until recently, Hindus were a minority in much of the world and still are. But Hinduism has started to pick up steam in America and a fusion of their identity with the West is a unique culture, which I will explore in films like Monkey Man and others.
#304F25
Hi FAVS 304! Until recently, Hindus were a minority in much of the world and still are. But Hinduism has started to pick up steam in America and a fusion of their identity with the West is a unique culture, which I will explore in films like Monkey Man and others.
#304F25